South Dakota Bills

in committee · South Dakota · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 1125: create a taskforce to study the impact of artificial intelligence systems on the state.

HB 1125 establishes a 15-member taskforce to study how artificial intelligence systems affect South Dakota, directly involving state government, industries (healthcare, banking, retail, manufacturing, tech), education (teachers/administrators), local governments (county auditors, municipalities), and the judiciary. The taskforce, appointed by legislative leaders, the governor, the Supreme Court chief justice, and the Board of Regents, must report findings and recommendations - including potential legislation - to the Legislative Research Council by December 1, 2028. The bill does not enact new laws but mandates a study of AI's impacts, dissolving the taskforce after its report. This procedural bill focuses on gathering data to inform future policy decisions.

Tesa Schwans (R) Bobbi Andera (R) Travis Ismay (R) Heather Baxter (R) Greg Blanc (R)

passed both · South Dakota · House Feb 4, 2026

HCR 6001: urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to establish a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota.

HCR 6001 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota. It directly addresses DHS and aims to benefit law enforcement personnel serving South Dakota’s nine federally recognized tribal nations, including those working in culturally specific contexts. The resolution requests DHS collaborate with tribal leaders and state agencies to design training programs tailored to tribal communities’ unique needs. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally asks DHS to consider South Dakota as a location for such an academy. The resolution emphasizes South Dakota’s existing partnerships with tribal nations and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in law enforcement training.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 1005: provide a sales and use tax exemption for goods and services related to data center operations.

HB 1005 exempts sales and use taxes on data center equipment and software for businesses operating qualified data centers in South Dakota. It specifically covers servers, cooling systems, power infrastructure, security systems, and related technology used in facilities meeting strict criteria (e.g., built between 2026-2036, meeting fire safety standards). Qualified businesses must verify eligibility with the Department of Revenue and maintain compliance with electric utility agreements and water usage requirements. The tax exemption lasts 50 years from the facility's construction permit date. This directly affects data center operators seeking to reduce operational costs in South Dakota.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

introduced · South Dakota · House Feb 3, 2026

HC 8005: honoring the Yankton School District on its 150th anniversary.

This bill is a formal legislative resolution honoring the Yankton School District for its 150th anniversary. It recognizes the district as South Dakota's longest-accredited public school system and highlights its academic performance, recent early childhood learning center, and teacher training partnership. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it solely serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the South Dakota Legislature. It directly affects the Yankton School District by formally celebrating its historical and educational contributions. The bill does not impose new requirements or alter existing laws.

introduced · South Dakota · House Feb 3, 2026

HC 8006: recognizing February as National Career and Technical Education and National Career and Technical Student Organizations Month.

This is a commemorative resolution (not a bill with policy changes), recognizing February as National Career and Technical Education and National Career and Technical Student Organizations Month. It formally acknowledges South Dakota's career and technical education programs serving over 30,000 students and student organizations with more than 10,000 members (including FFA, SkillsUSA, and HOSA). The resolution has no binding effect or policy impact; it serves only to honor these educational efforts through symbolic recognition. No specific groups or individuals are directly affected by this commemoration.

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SC 806: commending and honoring the 2025-2026 Outstanding School Administrators of South Dakota: David Olson, Meade, Middle School Principal; Kendra Becker, Redfield, Secondary School Principal; Richie Hutchinson, Sioux Falls, Assistant Middle School Principal; and Kay Bass, Harrisburg, Assistant Secondary School Principal.

This bill (SC 806) is a non-binding legislative commemoration honoring four South Dakota school administrators for their service: David Olson (Meade Middle School Principal), Kendra Becker (Redfield Secondary School Principal), Richie Hutchinson (Sioux Falls Assistant Middle School Principal), and Kay Bass (Harrisburg Assistant Secondary School Principal). It recognizes their combined 88 years of dedication to education, peer-elected "Outstanding School Administrator" status for 2025-2026, and their commitment to improving educational opportunities. The resolution formally names them as official representatives of South Dakota School Administrators. This is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws or affect policies.

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SC 805: commending and honoring the 2024-2025 Outstanding School Administrators of South Dakota: Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Watertown, School Superintendent; Bo Beck, Aberdeen, Middle School Principal; Connie Alspach, Dupree, School Business Official; Jay Swatek, Tea, Elementary School Principal; Kelly Messmer, Harding County, Secondary School Principal; Sherri Nelson, Brandon Valley, Curriculum Leader; and Monica Waltman, Douglas, Director of Special Education.

This bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring seven South Dakota school administrators for their service. It commends Dr. Jeff Danielsen (Watertown Superintendent), Bo Beck (Aberdeen Middle School Principal), Connie Alspach (Dupree School Business Official), Jay Swatek (Tea Elementary Principal), Kelly Messmer (Harding County Secondary Principal), Sherri Nelson (Brandon Valley Curriculum Leader), and Monica Waltman (Douglas Director of Special Education). The resolution recognizes their combined 197 years of service and dedication to education. It does not create new laws or policies - it solely provides formal recognition through a legislative commendation.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 1094: clarify that consent for the donation of ovum or sperm must be explicit.

HB 1094 (South Dakota House Bill 1094) clarifies that consent for organ donation does not automatically cover the donation of ovum (eggs) or sperm. The bill requires individuals to give explicit, separate consent specifically for ovum or sperm donation - distinct from organ donation consent. This directly affects potential donors and medical facilities handling reproductive tissue donations. The key provision amends state law to ensure clear, affirmative permission is obtained for gamete donation before any retrieval occurs.

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 1157: establish a task force for the purpose of studying aquatic invasive species infestations, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

HB 1157 creates a 12-member task force to study ecological damage and costs from aquatic invasive species in South Dakota. The task force includes representatives from state agencies (Game, Fish and Parks; Agriculture; Tourism), tribal organizations, water development districts, recreation industries, and environmental groups. It must submit a report by November 2026 detailing prevention strategies, cost estimates, and funding recommendations for addressing invasive species. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for task force expenses and declares an emergency to expedite implementation.

Topics ✓ Environment

died · South Dakota · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 1235: increase communication between agencies of this state and tribal governments.

HB 1235 requires South Dakota state agencies to improve communication with tribal governments through three key mechanisms: (1) annual training for state employees on tribal legal status, rights, and cultural issues; (2) yearly meetings between state officials (including the Governor) and tribal leaders to discuss policy impacts and concerns; and (3) annual reports from agencies detailing tribal engagement activities, policy changes made due to tribal input, and efforts to incorporate tribal consultation. The bill directly affects all South Dakota state agencies and tribal governments by mandating structured, documented interactions. It creates concrete reporting requirements for agencies to track and share their tribal-related work with both the Governor and tribal governments annually. This law focuses on building government-to-government relationships through regular dialogue and transparency.

died · South Dakota · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 1144: restrict the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and psychotherapy services and to provide a penalty therefor.

HB 1144 would restrict how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in therapy and psychotherapy services in South Dakota. Licensed therapists (including psychologists, social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists) would be prohibited from using AI to make treatment decisions, interact directly with clients during sessions, generate treatment plans without review, or detect emotions - except for specific administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, or anonymized data analysis. The bill requires written client consent for AI recording of sessions, with strict rules against obtaining consent through vague agreements or deceptive tactics. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per incident, with therapists retaining full responsibility for all AI-assisted interactions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✗ Technology

passed · South Dakota · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 1120: revise certain provisions related to operating a vehicle, boat, or aircraft while under the influence.

HB 1120 revises South Dakota's DUI laws by lowering the legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers to 0.04% (from a higher threshold), maintaining 0.08% as the standard for non-commercial drivers, and setting a 0.02% limit for drivers under 21. It clarifies that 0.08% or higher blood alcohol content presumes impairment and expands prohibitions to include driving under the influence of marijuana or non-prescribed drugs. These changes directly affect commercial drivers, all motorists operating vehicles, and underage drivers. The bill applies to operating vehicles, boats, or aircraft while impaired, with penalties including license suspensions for violations.

Bill results